Since its initial product launch in 2000, VMware has been the company to beat in server virtualization technology when it comes to features, stability, security, and market share. Microsoft's initial attempts with Virtual Server and Virtual PC got the company into the race, but it was a major stretch to compare these products to what VMware was offering at the time. With an inferior product, Microsoft had to grab hold of whatever it could in order to lay claim or take away market share from VMware. In this case, the Redmond giant's best offensive weapon was and has been to offer its solution at a cheaper price.